The RitzOne of the world's most legendary hotels, The Ritz has been synonymous with luxury since it first opened its doors in 1898. In the 1920's, literary expats like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway frequented the hotel and later referenced it in their works (Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises and Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night). Today the hotel even boasts a bar named for Hemingway, who was said to have 'liberated the Ritz' after the War. 15 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris www.ritzparis.com L'HotelIt was in Room 16 of this legendary Left Bank hotel that Oscar Wilde quipped from his deathbed: "I suppose I shall have to die above my means". Today the hotel highlights this literary connection with the Oscar Wilde Suite, which features the author's unpaid hotel bill mounted on the wall. Wilde would be glad to know that the wallpaper he so famously disliked ("My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.") has been replaced. In fact, the entire hotel has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, making it one of Paris' most luxurious boutique hotels. 13 Rue des Beaux Arts 75006 Paris www.l-hotel.com Terass HotelTucked away at the edge of Montmartre, this elegant hotel is a local favourite thanks to its rooftop bar with Eiffel Tower views. The Terrass also boasts an unlikely literary claim to fame: it was here that Hans and Margeret Rey began the children's stories that would later become Curious George. 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre 75018 Paris www.terrass-hotel.com The Pavillon Des LettresThough somewhat lacking in literary credentials, this four star hotel near the Champs Élysées offers a piece of bohemian Paris in one of the city's wealthiest neighbourhoods. With each room named after a famous author, The Palvillon pays tribute to literary greats, from Anderson to Zola. All around the hotel, you'll see quotes and famous passages from their books and subtle nods to literature
12 rue des Saussaies 75008 Paris www.pavillondeslettres.com
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The novel begins at Norland Park, a fictional estate in Sussex. Austen doesn't describe Norland in great detail, only that it was a "fine old house in the county of Sussex". Having spent most of her life neighbouring Hampshire, Austen would have been fairly familiar with Sussex and we know that she spent some time in Brighton and Worthing.
Famed for its natural hot springs, the city of Bath boasts an incredible legacy of Roman, Norman and Georgian architecture. Bath's most famous resident, Jane Austen, lived here from 1801 to 1806. At the time, Bath was the most fashionable resort in Britain, attracting crowds of wealthy tourists, who came to 'take the waters' and enjoy the society. Bath provided the main setting for two of Austen's novels: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Charles Dickens, who was a frequent visitor, also set a large part of The Pickwick Papers in the city. Today, Bath is a world-class tourist destination, known for its fine hotels and restaurants. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions, from the Roman Baths to modern, luxury spas. Although Austen only lived here for five years, the residents of Bath remain loyal to her memory with the annual Jane Austen Festival. The Jane Austen CentreOne of Bath's most popular attractions, The Jane Austen Centre celebrates the life of the city's favourite author. The collection includes period clothing and objects, as well as costumed guides. A permanent exhibition showcases the impact that Bath life had on Austen as a person and a writer. Don't miss the centre's delightful Regency themed tearoom and well-appointed gift shop. The Assembly RoomsCompleted in 1771, the Assembly Rooms were at the centre of Georgian society in Bath. Here, the local gentry gathered for balls, public functions and card games. This opulent location featured in Austen's Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, as well as Dicken's The Pickwick Papers. Be sure to visit the Fashion Museum on the ground floor to see what the Assembly Room's well-heeled guests would have worn. The Roman Baths and Pump RoomThis is Britain’s only natural hot spring and living piece of Roman history. You can still sample the waters at the adjacent 18th Century Pump Room, now a restaurant open for lunch and afternoon tea. During Austen's time, the Pump Room was the place to be seen, as referenced in Northanger Abbey when the ladies "walked together, noticing every new face and almost every new bonnet in the room". Although not open to the public, 4 Sydney Place is definitely worth a look from the outside. Austen's family rented this townhouse for three years and it is considered to have been Austen's favourite home in Bath. A country girl at heart, Austen would have loved the house's open aspects and proximity to Sydney Gardens. This is private residence, so please contact the local tourist board with any questions.
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